Melanoma

Overview
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that starts in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It can spread quickly if left untreated, but when detected early, treatment is highly effective.

What to Look For
Melanoma often appears as a new spot on the skin or a change in an existing mole. Warning signs can be remembered with the ABCDE rule:

  • A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other

  • B – Border: edges are irregular or blurred

  • C – Colour: uneven colour or multiple shades

  • D – Diameter: larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)

  • E – Evolving: changing in size, shape, or colour

Diagnosis
Your doctor will carefully examine your skin and may use a dermatoscope (a magnifying device) to look more closely at the lesion.
If melanoma is suspected, the lesion is removed (biopsied) under local anaesthetic and sent to a pathologist for confirmation.

Treatment

  • Surgical removal: the main and most effective treatment. The area around the melanoma is removed to ensure all cancer cells are cleared.

  • Lymph node biopsy: may be recommended for deeper melanomas to check if the cancer has spread.

  • Further treatment: if melanoma has spread, options such as immunotherapy or targeted drug therapy may be used under specialist care.

Recovery
Most patients recover quickly from a simple surgical excision. If a wider excision or lymph node procedure is needed, healing may take longer. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor for any recurrence or new lesions.

Prognosis
Melanoma has an excellent outcome when found and treated early. The thinner the melanoma at diagnosis, the higher the chance of complete cure.

Long-Term Care

  • Have your skin checked by a doctor every 6–12 months

  • Perform monthly self-skin checks for any new or changing spots

  • Protect your skin from the sun: use SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds

  • Seek review promptly for any new or changing mole

Summary
Melanoma is serious but curable when detected early. Regular skin checks and prompt removal of suspicious lesions are the best protection.